WJTL Praise & Worship Podcast

YWAM's Circuit Riders are in Lancaster this week! They’re on their Jesus People Tour: serving the community with local nonprofits, sharing the Gospel on the streets, and gathering for worship at Petra Church in New Holland. Check out the latest episode of the Praise & Worship podcast for an interview with Lancaster County's own Corey Heck and worship leader Lucas McCloud! They share good news testimonies and stories behind the songs on the new Circuit Rider Music album JESUS PEOPLE!

My latest guest on the Praise & Worship Podcast is Kristen Brewer, writer and producer for Sight & Sound’s production of Queen Esther! She is also heading up SEEN Collective, using original music to tell the stories of women in the Bible and the God who saw them. Kristen joined me to talk about the heart behind SEEN Collective, and shared about the characters and songs they’ve inspired. I hope you're encouraged (like I am) by these insights! Be sure to listen to the end for information on how you can interact or get involved. (Plus, Kristen played the tambourine for a live performance of Tamar's song "Roadside", and I had a few questions about that experience!)

I caught up with a bunch of the team that makes up LCBC Worship! These guys are Zoom pros with lots of experience connecting virtually from their various locations around central PA. It's always exciting to hear about fresh local worship songs, and their new RISE EP is out now! They shared stories behind every track on the EP, which has themes of resurrection and victory, awesome bridges, lyrics from hymns -- and striking live video of the songs recorded live.

My latest guest on the Praise & Worship Podcast is Matt Greiner! He’s a founding member and drummer for metalcore band August Burns Red, and is starting up a new worship band in Lancaster called Clay Collective. Matt joined me to talk about the heart of this group and share stories behind the songs of their debut album “Living Stones” (out April 4th!)

My latest guest is Pat Barrett! He's a smiley worship leader known for writing church favorites like "Good Good Father" and "Build My Life". Pat just released a whopping 17-track project called "Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly". It's creatively crafted with bits and pieces of hymns, Bible verses, colors, tones, and musical genres that span decades. It has praise songs, fun songs, slow songs, songs for family, songs for society and even a love song! You'll also hear special guests like Chris Tomlin, Harrolddd and Franni from We The Kingdom. Catch this convo to hear Pat tell the stories behind these new songs!

Elevation Rhythm's Tiffany and Davide are my latest guests! They were so fun-sharing their hearts on collaborating as a team, songwriting for youth, processing the past year and telling stories behind their latest singles “Quiet”, “IYKYK” and “Walk On Water”. Plus, Davide shares tips you can use to up your dance moves and even broke out into song several times in the interview!

This convo with Brian & Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music is packed with all the latest details: on their song "God Of Revival" , Jenn's forthcoming book "All Things Lovely" , their encouragement to worship leaders these days and most recent finds, foods, hunts and more! Plus, track Jenn's brilliant strategy for keeping the kids happy during a Zoom interview.

WJTL DJ Kristi Leigh caught up with Centricity Music singer/songwriter Chris Renzema on Groundhog Day: the perfect occasion for a conversation about seasons and learning how God works as we observe nature's process! In 2020, he released the album "Let The Ground Rest"--and in 2021, the "Let The Ground Rest B-sides" EP! Chris' latest music is rich with lyrics encouraging listening hearts to hold on for the harvest. Chris talked about the standouts: "Springtime", "Not Finished Yet", "Tear My House Down" and the title track. He shared stories behind the songs, what he's gotten out of his own music after its release and the thing that makes him feel like he's having a good gig.

Episode 13 features special guest, Kim Walker-Smith! She’s a powerhouse vocalist, and a total natural at sharing her heart from the deep topics like music and Jesus to lighter material like coffee and camping! She joined me to talk about her brand new LIVE worship album, Wild Heart, due out August 14. There are interesting stories about the recording of this project (and the many LIVE plants involved on stage!) She also shares about the timing of this release and meaningful songs from the record. I also really enjoyed hearing about the photo shoot for the album artwork, and how that ties into her other projects and childhood. As a mom, I loved hearing about Kim’s kids (and seeing her daughter here and there on screen during the interview!)

Episode 12 features special guest, Lauren Lee of North Point Worship! She has released a couple new songs with the group in 2020, which is a year she hoped would have "less polish and more authenticity". We talked about this season and worship leaders she's appreciating lately. Plus, the story behind "Light Breaking Through", which came out of her experience with postpartum depression. We also discussed our middles names, her obsession with punctuality and much more!